The relationship of diet habits, obesity and level of oral health among elementary school children

초등학생의 식습관과 비만 및 구강건강수준과의 관련성

Objectives : This study was to investigate the impact of dietary habits and obesity on level of oral health in the elementary school children and to characterize the relationship among dietary habits, obesity and level of oral health by DMFT index and perceived oral health. Methods : Participants were 314 total students from one elementary school who lived Yeosan. Self-administered questionnaires were given to the subjects from March 25 through May 12, 2008, to identify their the degree of dietary habits, perceived oral health. A trained investigator made an oral examination of them in natural light using a mirror and explorer to determine their DMFT index. We classified the subjects into Data were analyzed with T-test, one-way ANOVA, and Duncan's multiple range test, pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression using the SPSS WIN 12.0 program. Results : Regarding dietary habit, the subjects achieved a mean of 10.52${\pm}$3.80 out of a maximum 20 points. The DMFT index in the subject was 0.60${\pm}$2.03. The group of obesity by gender were 19.2% and 22.5%. Moreover, those who were children and had more severe level of obesity felt that their perceived oral health and DMFT index were higher. There was a significant assocciation of oral health among elementary school children with obesity. Conclusion : These results suggest that oral health behavioral and attitude, dietary habits and obesity influenced the level of oral health. Thus further research targeting to positive attitude toward effective management of childhood obesity combined with significant dietary habits, may lead to promotion of oral health.